Chondroblast vs. Chondrocyte — What's the Difference?

Chondroblasts, or perichondrial cells, is the name given to mesenchymal progenitor cells in situ which, from endochondral ossification, will form chondrocytes in the growing cartilage matrix. Another name for them is subchondral cortico-spongious progenitors.

Chondrocytes (, from Greek χόνδρος, chondros = cartilage + κύτος, kytos = cell) are the only cells found in healthy cartilage. They produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix, which consists mainly of collagen and proteoglycans.

A cell which originates from a mesenchymal stem cell and forms chondrocytes.

A cartilage cell located in a lacuna of the cartilage matrix.

(biology) A cell that makes up the tissue of cartilage.